Update: Jundullah Claims Responsibility for Suicide Bombing; 33 Dead

by HOMYLAFAYETTE

[ dispatch ] Two suicide bombers killed at least 33 people and wounded over 83 in a mourning procession in Chabahar on Wednesday morning, according to news reports in Iran.

The Jundullah armed group, which was designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization in November, took responsibility for the attack in a statement posted to the Internet today. The group published photos of two young men, identified as Seifolrahman Chabahari and Hessan Khashi, wearing explosive-filled vests and purported to be the suicide bombers. The statement said that the attack had been carried out to avenge the Islamic Republic's execution of Jundullah's leader, Abdol Malek Rigi, this past June.

Information from official sources was confusing, at times contradictory, in the immediate aftermath of the bloody attacks that took place between Farmandari Square and Imam Hossein mosque, in this balmy port with a free-trade zone on the Gulf of Oman.

Chabahar is situated in the southern fringes of Sistan-va Baluchistan province which has a large Sunni Muslim population and has been the scene of terrorist attacks by the Jundullah armed group which proclaims that the country's majority Shiites persecute Sunnis. The Interior Ministry was prompt in blaming foreign governments, particularly the United States. "The equipment and logistical support of the terrorists indicate that these elements were backed by advanced intelligence services of the region and the United States," according to a statement.

Mahmoud Mozaffar, the head of the country's Red Crescent and emergency services, declared that 36 people had perished, then revised the figure to 31. Some of the injured victims who were subsequently revived had been counted among the dead, Mozaffar explained. Mohammad Yaghoub Jadgal, the parliamentary representative from Chabahar, told the state news agency IRNA that 50 to 60 injured had been transferred to hospitals. [According to the latest report from Press TV, at least 33 people have been killed and 83 wounded.]

The following video shows security forces and emergency workers in the area shortly after the attack:

Witnesses said two explosions took place in front of Imam Hossein Mosque on Imam Boulevard, which splits the city in two, along an east-west axis. The city's predominantly Sunni population worship at the much larger Jameh Mosque, a few blocks to the east. The attacks came on one of the Shia's holiest days, Tasoua, in the month of Moharram, itself one of the most sacred months. The first ten days of Moharram are devoted to mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hossein, one of the most revered figures in the Shiite faith, culminating in the commemoration of Ashura, which is tomorrow.

Today's attack took place during the official mourning procession of fishery workers and their families, according to Mehr News.

Deputy Interior Minister in charge of security Ali Abdollahi told reporters that two bombs went off in close proximity between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m., but subsequent news releases said that one of the two blasts was an acoustic bomb. It now appears that the latter conflagration was caused by the detonator of a second explosive device that failed to go off.

Local intelligence and security sources informed Mehr News that three assailants had been involved and that the "main instigator" had been arrested, while another had been killed when his explosives vest blew up. Mehr News reported that the third culprit had been shot by the police. Chabahar Governor Ali Bateni denied that three men were responsible for the attacks, but he confirmed that the "main element in the terrorist attack" has been arrested.

The official line slowly emerging from the chatter seems to be that two suicide bombers carried out the attack, that only one succeeded in exploding his device, and that both men are now dead. "One explosion had a lower toll because the assailant was identified before the blast," said Deputy Interior Minister Abdollahi in a later statement. "The individual was identified by the police and shot. But he managed to detonate the device which did not cause much damage."

Sistan-va-Baluchistan Governor Ali Mohammad Azad told the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network that the "two terrorists waited along the procession's route because they had been unable to approach the official stand. They were suicide bombers. As soon as the security forces became suspicious of them, the first individual detonated his device, martyring and injuring some of our loved ones. The second individual who intended to blow himself up at the same time was identified by the security forces and shot and killed. Some 30 loved ones were killed and 55 injured thus far." (see video below)

So no terrorist was arrested?

"Both were killed," said Governor Azad. "The second individual's belt did not function because he had been shot. Only its detonator exploded. This second one did not cause any casualties."

Opposition groups have announced that they will participate in tomorrow's Ashura ceremonies. Last year's ceremonies turned into a bloody protest against the regime, during which security forces killed demonstrators, at least in two documented instances by running over them with police vehicles.

It is unclear whether today's blasts will result in tougher security measures tomorrow.

Who are these "civilians" that were killed? Iran's own Ministry of Guidance and Culture states that only 1.4% of Iranians attend Friday prayers, so who is this 1.4%? Real innocent people? Or rather Basij, Pasdaran, and supporters of this regime??

Airatin / December 15, 2010 9:50 PM

@Airatin

So supporters of the regime or Basiji/Pasdaran lives are not worth as much as others?

These people were targeted not for political motives but for their love for Imam Husein (a.s) and what an honour it is to die for the Imam.

May God curse the oppressors of the Family of the Prophet

Carlos / December 16, 2010 2:23 AM

What the world needs NOW is NO RELIGION. Let's give Humanism a try. This is sick sick sick. Childish revenge killings that are not only sanctioned but commanded by "holy" books. Are we living 1000 years ago? It appears we are not progressing as a society, but going backwards in time. Meanwhile the the moderates (ie, apologetics) of all religions stand by their baseless "faith". If there was God, surely she left this barbaric tribe on earth years ago, saying "whoops, hopeless, guess I better do better next time and try and create a species with some reasoning ability...". WAKE UP PEOPLE

Marsha / December 16, 2010 10:25 AM

@ Carlos

Come on! This is not because of those folk's religion/sect or whatever you might want to call it. Its just simply the fact that Balouchs think that non baluches are taking over their land and pushing their people, their language, their belief and traditions aside.
The common line in many complains that you here from the Baluchi sides is that that they feel outcasted in their their own homeland. They also are pissed of the IRGC handling security operations in Baluchestan, which from what you read it seem to to be brutal and indiscriminate . You might want to take a look at some of youtube videos posted about the kind of atrocities that Baluches have to deal with on day to day base.
I am not sure how accurate it is but part the annuncment that jundullah issued in after math of the expolsion pointed out to the considerable number of its people being executed in the recent time.

All what it take is for some folks to feel they can not take it any more and there you have it. Bombs and explosions are not the best way to sen out a message but sometimes its the only one.

Its sad and unfortunate but that is what it is . I wish Iran would be run like a federal state that each state would have semi autonomy so that its people would decide for themselves and their taxes and resources be allocated within their state and within their scope of their need.
A prime example of it is Khuzestan. Its the oil of Kuzestan that makes up for the riches of Tehran..etc but Khuzestan itself is plagued by poverty .

Agnostic / December 16, 2010 11:48 AM

This US Embassy cable references a meeting that took place over three years ago.

Most important part of the cable is when Meir Dagan is talking about the five pillars of Israel's strategy toward Iran. In particular, item (B) is of importance:

"...(B)Covert Measures: Dagan and the Under Secretary agreed not to discuss this approach in the larger group setting..."

Of course, it is now clear what "Covert Measures," these must have been: 1. Assassinate Iranian nuclear scientists, 2. Assist terrorist elements in Iran under the cover of minorities demanding freedom.

Also, notice how Dagan recounts unemployment (30%) and inflation (40%) in Iran, rejoicing in the difficulties inflicted on the Iranian nation.

Ekbatana / December 16, 2010 1:17 PM

How convenient. It is always somebody else's fault and always by an outsider. Other countries have no obligations to Iran. They look after their own interests. People in Iran are suffocating under the weight of a brutal regime of barbarians. Iran needs a government of the people and headed by true representatives of the people.

This is a direct quote from the barbarian’s Imam Khomeini, “We do not worship Iran, we worship Allah. For patriotism is another name for paganism. I say let this land [Iran] burn. I say let this land go up in smoke, provided Islam emerges triumphant in the rest of the world.”
Why are we surprised about the current standing of Iran? The previous generation BLINDLY and FOOLISHLY handed its future, its heritage, its history and its country to a group of barbarians. How could they expect a different outcome?

Iran does not need a federal government either. Iran is not situated in Europe or North America, but in the midst of a troubled part of the world. The hardship that Agnostic is referring to is common throughout Iran and includes ALL IRANIANS. EVERONE has suffered at the hands of these barbarians, no one has been immune.

These barbarians have looted the wealth of the Iranian people for the last 31 years. Every time the Barbaric Republic faces an existential threat a wave of killings conveniently gets started to divert people's attention from the very route cause namely the Barbaric Republic. Just study the events of the last 10 years and you will see the pattern.

Niloofar / December 16, 2010 6:35 PM

Read for yourselves. This is one example of what Iranian people have had to endure under the oppressive rule of these barbarians,

Iranian Man Who Blinded Love Rival with Acid Sentenced to Suffer Same Fate

This is in addition to their regular chop shop. Some 5 people had their body parts amputated in the last few days.

Niloofar / December 16, 2010 9:07 PM

@ Nillofar
Although federalism might not be a easy fit for Iran at this time yet i made the argument by having in mind those very things that you indicated in your posts here.

Iran need to be freed from many things among which are:
- Interference of religion in Peoples life.
- transparency
- rule of law
- laws that are not based on religious decrees or tendencies
- free press
- free economy
- keeping military away from economical and domestic intelligence
- freedom of religion
- representativeness for all people with whatever lifestyle preferences they might chose to have.
- revocation of religiously founded economical entities such as Vaqf
- allowing local representation for local people and not allowing the capitol to decide for all.
- equality for men and women in all laws
- ....etc

The list would go on and on but honestly would you think Iran would ever see such a big shift?

Would you think if Mossavi had come in power, Iran would have been much better off? I honestly dont think so.
I would like to call to witness the time that Khatami came to power. I clearly remember what an energy and vitality had taken over . All those newspapers, people talking more freely...etc but soon Judiciary throw its dark shadow on society, skies got darker and darker, intelligence ministry started harassing people, killing some and abducting others. You were not in Iran at that time. It was a scary time if you were kind of involved in politics and happen to not be in line with the leadership, so to say.

I bet this would have happened to Iran , if Mossavi was in power. Judiciary and IRGC and their Baseeje mercenaries would have made his life , his government and society to suffer a gradual and torturous death. So as they did it to Khatami.

Iran does not need a new progressive president. Iran needs to get rid of this cancer that is eating it out form within. This tumor starts by Leader, metastasized to judiciary, parliament , IRGC, religious organization, corrupt bazaris and whole host of parasite bottom feeders that feed and support the system.

Iran wont get rid of its ailment with precision surgery. A new reincarnation is needed.

Agnostic / December 17, 2010 2:27 AM

I truly read your posting with delight. You are right, but I would not go as far as reincarnation. It is all about education.

The name of the game in Iran of today is survival of the fittest. What is the root cause? You said it beautifully, “Leader, metastasized to judiciary, parliament, IRGC, religious organization, corrupt bazaaries". Eliminate the above and you will eliminate the bottom feeders.

Iran needs a regime change, a period of readjustments to be followed by a new political beginning. We are not ready for democracy, but we are ready to be schooled for it, to begin the process of establishing the necessary institutions for democracy. I do not have anything against Federalism. This is our system of governance in the United States. But is Iran ready for it? The answer is NO. Our people do not have the political maturity for it. How could they? They have never experienced freedom. Can anyone blame them? Iran will crumble before your eyes.

Khatami was a front to begin with. The Barbaric Republic was in dire need of a new image to hide behind. It was a smart move. But it was not a sincere move. It was not for the welfare of the Iranian people. It was geared towards the preservation of a rotted system. It failed like it should. This Black bird is not going to sing like a Canary. It is not going to happen. It is not designed for it. It is barbaric to the core. It does not belong in this century.

If I was part of the last generation I would apologize to the Iranian people publicly and disappear from the political scene. Something Iranians have a very hard time doing. These people are losers through and through. They need to stand aside. We need to re-energize. We need new blood, new thoughts and a modern approach our generation is quite capable of. We have proven ourselves everywhere else in the world but in our own country. Does it not tell you we need to rid ourselves from these parasites and for good? You said it yourself.

We can easily rejoin the civilized world and get ahead of our neighbors and by far. I have no doubt for history is my proof. As Iranian say it so beautifully, Payandeh bashad Iran.

Niloofar / December 17, 2010 6:16 AM

@ Niloofar
Tanks for your comments.
Sometimes people ask me what you think about Iran and its ruling system. My answer invariable has been and will be that " there could not have been anything better happening to Iran other than this very so called revolution of 79 and the subsequent rule of Mollas starting from from Khomeini till todays' Ahmadinejad reign"

This mostly takes people by surprise since they think that i am supporting the regime! But then i go" Because now people know what the ruthless barbarians these Mollas when get to have power in hand and the simple fact that religion can not rule a country unless by resorting to dictatorship like techniques, discrimination, disregard for the rule of laws that are reflective of time and human needs, its innate incapability to run economy sone they historically being at the receiving end of the food chain, ...etc " .

To further clarify my position, I firmly argue for the need to an " Evolution rather than revolution". This , at least to me, is a historically proven fact, especially after 79 and all that radical transformation that in some respects throw iran back into the dark times of many centuries ago where Stoning and cutting people limbs happened (of course an ominous import from a far inconsistent culture in arabian peninsula rather than an Iranian style of legal dealings).

I also was naive to some extent. There was a time that as teenager in iran , i had hopes in Khatami but soon i realized that he is just a pawn in a bigger game of khamanei grand chess. And that was it for me. Since then i have come to believe that nobody from within the System can bring about any meaningful change to the political scene in Iran.
Reasons are obvious. There are simply to many people that would lose their posts , their lucrative business dealings, their prestige, their looting, their quotas at universities, their endowments, ....etc.

So what now? Should we give up hope and be resigned with the fate and destiny? Well of course Not. Although too much social pressure is what drives some of us into diaspora and some to just try to mind our business, if in Iran, but of course that is not the whole picture. The real volcano is gathering its momentum underneath the skin of Iran, something way bigger and uncrushable than the tsunami of post PR election last year.

As we all saw, the tsunami of Iranian young generation plus many of the previous generation took to streets screaming for change. The regime know that these people do not necessarly care about Mussavi. They knew bigger things are at stake and they were openly talking about their fears, about the fact that people want fundamental change that includes there very fundamentals of regime (ie, leadership, islamic jurisprudnece "Velayate faghis" which would have been the Achilles tendon of the whole spider-net of the regime )
The last year incidence, literally broke down the sand castles of Mollas and disturbed their sleeps into hellish nightmares, at least for a while.
That is when we saw Mollas and their Baseeje / IRGC mercenaries like rabid dogs attacking people on street, in their houses, raping them in dark cells of their hidden dungeons, running over them with cars, throw them off the balconies , putting up show trials , filtering internet and cutting off mobile communications....etc

So what good came out of all this?
I would say the fact that regime showed its real identity to all and every single Iranian , was the best result. The fact that Iranians realized that promises of this regime are just Lies and deception was the best result. I would say that paved the way for most Iranian to come to realization that iran needs a regime change, even if gradual, but with NO COMPROMISE with the Mollahs.
They are soon to be out of game, even if they resort to harsher techniques. They do not have any legitimacy left whatsoever. No matter how many times they recount the ballots, no matter what next softy groovy candidate would they have in pocket for the next presidential election or not.

King has no cloths on and the world is shouting it aloud. These people , sooner or later, are destined to go. And from their ashes will grow a new tree, a new Iran which would be an example for the world. That might happen soon, but it sure is inevitable .

Agnostic / December 18, 2010 12:13 AM

Amen

Niloofar / December 18, 2010 2:40 AM

Pakistan should be severely punished for aiding and abetting terrorism.